Hospital to community in Wales: What is the value of optometrists playing a greater role in managing neovascular AMD and glaucoma in primary care?

Purpose: To evaluate the value of enhanced optometric services for managing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and glaucoma in primary care optometry services, instead of hospital eye services (HES).

Methods: Seven enhanced optometric service pathways in primary care in Wales were assessed with a mixed-methods approach: three for nAMD and four for glaucoma. The methods were a patient-related experience measure (PREM), a Realist Review and Evaluation involving both patients and staff, a discrete event simulation model estimating the economic impact of the pathways and a workforce survey of optometrists to gauge capability and capacity.

Effect of a Home Visit-Based Low Vision Rehabilitation Intervention on Visual Function Outcomes: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: To examine the effect of a home visit-based visual rehabilitation intervention on: (1) self-reported visual function and (2) depression, wellbeing, loneliness, adjustment to visual loss, and generic health-related quality of life.

Methods: In an exploratory, assessor-masked, individually randomized, single-center controlled trial, 67 participants (age: 75.22 ± 16.

Effect of rehabilitation worker input on visual function outcomes in individuals with low vision: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Visual Rehabilitation Officers help people with a visual impairment maintain their independence. This intervention adopts a flexible, goal-centred approach, which may include training in mobility, use of optical and non-optical aids, and performance of activities of daily living. Although Visual Rehabilitation Officers are an integral part of the low vision service in the United Kingdom, evidence that they are effective is lacking.